Tanzania's Taifa Stars strengthened their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a vital 2-0 victory over Ethiopia on November 16. The win, which moved Tanzania up to second place in Group H, came after a challenging 2-0 loss to DR Congo in the previous round of qualifiers.
In the match at the Stade des Martyrs, Tanzania dominated from the outset. Simon Msuva opened the scoring in the 15th minute, heading in from a well-executed corner kick. The Taifa Stars continued to press, and Feisal Salum doubled their lead in the 31st minute, scoring from a rebound after his initial header was saved by Ethiopia’s goalkeeper, Said Habtamu.
Tanzania's early dominance in the game was clear, as they created several chances. Msuva, who was particularly active in the first half, missed an early opportunity when he directed a header wide of the goal from close range. However, he made up for it with his opener. Ethiopia struggled to find their rhythm, and while Abdulkarim Worku came close with a shot narrowly wide of the post, they failed to capitalize on their few chances.
The second half saw some tension as tempers flared between the two teams, with several fouls and even a shoving match on the pitch. Despite Ethiopia’s efforts to get back into the game, including a close-range shot by Worku that went past the post and a header by Ramkel James that missed the target, Tanzania remained in control. Mbwana Samatta also had a chance to extend the lead, but Habtamu was alert to deny him.
With this win, Tanzania secured their second victory in the qualification campaign, moving into a promising position with seven points, just two behind Guinea in second place. Ethiopia, on the other hand, remains at the bottom of the group, having suffered their third consecutive defeat. Tanzania will look to maintain this momentum as they continue their bid to qualify for next year’s AFCON.
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